Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to emerge, and they do not cause trouble for everyone. If one is partly covered by gum or does not have enough room to come through fully, it can be harder to keep clean and may be associated with pain, swelling, food collecting around it, decay or gum infection. These symptoms do not confirm a particular problem, so a dental assessment is the sensible next step rather than trying to diagnose the cause yourself.
For people living around Clapham Junction and SW11, knowing what signs to look out for can help you decide when to contact a dentist and what questions to ask.
Does every wisdom tooth need to be removed?
No. The NHS guidance on wisdom tooth removal says that if a wisdom tooth is not causing problems, it will usually be left in place and monitored at routine dental check-ups. Removal may be considered when a tooth is impacted or partly covered by gum and is causing problems such as repeated pain or infection, decay, gum disease or a cyst.
NICE guidance advises against routine preventive removal of impacted wisdom teeth that are free of disease. It says surgery should be limited to cases where there is evidence of disease. A first episode of pericoronitis (inflammation around a partly erupted tooth) is not usually, by itself, an indication for surgery unless particularly severe; repeat episodes may be a reason to consider removal. The decision depends on an individual dental assessment.
What happens at a dental assessment?
A dentist can ask about your symptoms, examine the area and discuss whether observation, treatment or referral is appropriate. Depending on the position and complexity of a tooth, the NHS notes that a dentist may remove it or refer you to a specialist. If removal is being considered, ask why it is recommended, what alternatives there may be and what recovery advice applies to your situation.
SW11 Clinic lists tooth extraction among its dental services in Clapham. Whether extraction is appropriate for a particular wisdom tooth, and where treatment should take place, needs to be discussed with a dentist.
When should you seek urgent help?
Contact a dentist promptly if you have significant or worsening pain or swelling, or think you may have an infection. The NHS advises seeking an urgent dental appointment or contacting NHS 111 if you think you have a dental abscess. Difficulty breathing, speaking or swallowing, substantial mouth swelling, or difficulty opening your mouth needs emergency help: call 999 or go to A&E. Read the NHS dental abscess advice for the full list of symptoms and actions.
For urgent dental concerns locally, see SW11 Clinic’s emergency dentist information for Clapham Junction. If it is not urgent, a routine dental check-up in Clapham can provide an opportunity to discuss wisdom teeth and monitoring.
Discuss your concerns with a dentist in SW11
Wisdom teeth vary in position and symptoms, so online information cannot tell you whether yours need treatment. If you are concerned about discomfort or swelling, arrange a dental assessment and describe what you have noticed, including when it began and whether it is changing. To ask about an appointment, contact SW11 Clinic.
General information only; this article is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from a dentist or other qualified health professional. Seek urgent help for emergency symptoms.